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Description:
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Pigweed
is an annual herb. The leaves are alternate and reddish. The flowers
form cylindrical clusters that are less than 1 in broad. This plant
is found in cultivated fields and waste areas. |
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Toxic
Part: |
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The
entire plant is considered toxic. |
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Toxin: |
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Poisoning
usually occurs due to nitrates accumulated by pigweed from the soil.
High levels of nitrogen in the soil, partial drought during the growth
of the plant, and low light levels favor nitrate accumulation in the
stems of pigweed. |
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Symptoms: |
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Clinical
signs include excessive salivation, a gradual increase in respiration
rate, staggers, and a lack of coordination. The onset of symptoms
usually occurs with in 24 hours of plant consumption. One report of
pigweed poisoning result in 83 cattle afflicted of which 48 died.
Poisoning has been reported in pigs, cattle, and sheep. |
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Treatment: |
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There
is no specific recommended treatment. It is important to note that
animals ingest toxic amounts of pigweed when palatable forage is absent. |
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References:
28, 43, 69, 150
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This
site is NOT a substitute for the advice of medical physician.
Plant poisonings can, in certain cases, result in SERIOUS HARM AND
EVEN DEATH. Please contact a physician or your local poison control
center if you suspect any plant poisoning. A link to the Georgia Poison
Control Center can be found on the "References and Links"
page of this site. |
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